After a dog has won top honors at the most prestigious dog show in the world, what else is there left to accomplish? A win at the Westminster Dog Show is the highlight of any show dog's career and most winners are ready to kick back and retire from the ring, but not all of them. Here's what a few past Westminster champions have been doing since their big win.
Rufus the colored Bull Terrier, 2006 winner
Ch. Rocky Top's Sundance Kid, better known as Rufus, the colored Bull Terrier, made Westminster history when he delighted the crowd and won Best in Show. Rufus retired after his crowning as the 100 year dog and the only colored Bull Terrier to win at Westminster. However, he isn't a canine to sit back on his haunches and while away his retirement years. When his owner, Barb Bishop, saw that he was getting bored, she decided he needed a job. Rufus is now a certified therapy dog, giving comfort to people in nursing homes and hospitals. He is also an ambassador for bully breeds, teaching children about responsible dog ownership, and educating people about breed specific legislation and myths about the bully breeds.
James the English Springer Spaniel, 2007 winner
Ch. Felicity's Diamond Jim was a therapy dog beginning at the age of seven months. After retiring from the dog show ring, he simply picked up where he had left off. Owner Teresa Patton and James worked with Angel on a Leash, as well as other pet therapy organizations. He also helped raise around $15,000 participating in memory walks for the Alzheimer's Association. After winning at Westminster, James went on to finish four rally titles and won his first obedience title. Sadly, James passed away in May 2011 from lymphoma. He was one of the oldest Springer Spaniels to win at Westminster.
Uno the Beagle, 2008 winner
Ch. K-Run's Park Me in First went on a nationwide tour with David Frei, Westminster's famous announcer and founder of Angel on a Leash, as an ambassador to help promote canine therapy work. Uno was a busy Beagle and tossed out the first pitch at baseball games, put in appearances at art galleries and charity fundraisers, rode on a Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade float, turned on purple and gold lights at the Empire State Building for the 2009 Westminster Week celebrations, and was an honored guest at the White House. Now, Uno is happy being just a dog, hanging out with his best friend Caroline Dowell, playing with his canine buddies, and snoozing on Caroline's bed.
Stump the Sussex Spaniel, 2009 winner
Ch. Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee, now 13, was the oldest dog to win at Westminster at the age of 10 and was the first Sussex Spaniel to have won top honors at the prestigious dog show. Now retired, Stump spends his days in the home of his handler, Scott Sommer, and his best buddy, J.R., Ch. Special Times Just Right, the Bichon Frise who wowed the crowd and took home top honors at the 2001 Westminster Dog Show.
Sadie, the Scottish Terrier, 2010 winner
Ch. Rountown Mercedes of Maryscot had a good year in 2010 winning not only Westminster, but the National Dog Show and the AKC National Championship as well. Quite the feat for a little dog and a rare accomplishment for the dog show world! She went on a media tour, stopped at the Empire State Building, opened the New York Stock Exchange, and had a sit down meeting with Donald Trump. In the dog world, all eyes watched as a mate, Anstamm Prime Minister, aka Winston, was chosen for Sadie. Five pups were born March, 2011. Today, Sadie relaxes at the home of her handler, Gabriel Rangel in Rialto, California. She watches Animal Planet when she's not hanging out with Rangel's other dog, a Chihuahua, or snacking on her favorite treat – hot dogs. (Editor’s note: I’m guessing Sadie’s never tried CANIDAE TidNips, because if she had those hot dogs would be history!).
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| Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images |
GCh. Foxcliffe Hickory Wind wowed the judges at Westminster to become the first Scottish Deerhound to win Best in Show. She had nine puppies late last year. Hickory is owned by Dr. R. Scott and Cecilia Dove and lives in the foothills of Virginia in the Blue Ridge Mountains where she can run for miles on the family farm. She's also been known to tree a bear that's come across her path. She may be retired, but that doesn't mean she can't have fun!
Malachy the Pekingese, 2012 winner
Four year old Ch. Palacegarden Malachy is the first Pekingese to win Westminster since 1990. He went on a media tour appearing on TV talk and news shows after his win. Now he is retired and enjoying his “life of Riley” just hanging out and being a dog who loves to chase squirrels and be pampered.
Read more articles by Linda Cole
That is pretty interesting to hear what all those famoous doggies do after the big show. I had heard that a lot of them do the therapy dog job and that is so terrific. I admire those dogs and owners too that do that.
ReplyDeleteOh, how fun to read all of what these champions have done. Thanks for sharing. Mom would love to have at least one of us learn to be a therapy dog.
ReplyDeleteWoos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning
Nice to know they get to continue to do something good for others.
ReplyDelete